A minute's silence held for Firefighters' Memorial Day

The bravery of all firefighters who have died in the course of their duties, was remembered with a minute’s silence held at the Mounts Fire Station in Northampton on Friday 4 May.

The tribute was paid by members of Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS), as well as retired firefighters and invited guests, as part of the national Firefighters’ Memorial Day.

Attendance at The Mounts included Chief Fire Officer Darren Dovey, Chief Constable Simon Edens, Police and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold and HM Lord Lieutenant for Northamptonshire David Laing, who joined together to commemorate the lives of those who have died and to pay tribute to the courage of firefighters working throughout the community today.

Chief Fire Officer Darren Dovey said: “It is right and proper we honour the bravery and sacrifice of all fallen comrades on this day and also those that have suffered physical or mental injuries as a result of their work.

“It also provides an opportunity for awareness to be raised about the dedication, commitment and sacrifices of firefighters everywhere.”

Minute's silence

Firefighters’ Memorial Day is a national day organised by the Firefighters’ Memorial Trust with the Fire Brigades Union (the FBU this year celebrates its 100th anniversary). Up and down the country, the day was marked with activities held at fire stations. The minute’s silence was also observed at other fire stations in Northamptonshire.

According to the Firefighters’ Memorial Trust, nationally 2,524 members of fire and rescue services have died while protecting the public.

Chief Constable Simon Edens said: “I was honoured to have been invited along to take part in Firefighters’ Memorial Day and play my part in remembering the lives that have been lost over the years while working to protect the public. It is also important to remember the risks that our colleagues, today’s firefighters, often have to take in the course of their working lives.

“This national event is crucial in giving everyone the opportunity to really reflect on the courage needed to be a firefighter. It must also help bring comfort to the families of those who have been lost in the line of service to know that their sacrifice has not been forgotten."

Courage and commitment

Stephen Mold, Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner, will take responsibility for the Fire Service later this year.

He said: “Firefighters' Memorial Day is a reminder that this is a dangerous and difficult job carried out with courage and commitment. It has been good today to remember those who have lost their lives over the years and to recognise the dedication that Northamptonshire’s firefighters show to their community, day in, day out.”